COLCHESTER — The head of the Vermont National Guard says furloughs for about 500 full-time Guard members will begin next week.

The furloughs mean workers will lose one day of work a week between now and the end of September, an effective 20 percent pay cut.

The Guard sent a notice to all of its technicians on June 25 telling them the furloughs would begin July 8.

Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, the adjutant general who oversees the Guard, says the Guard is trying to lessen the impact on its members and families, and remains committed to being ready to respond to Vermonters’ needs in an emergency.